Speed@Seawork set sail with over 100 delegates joining the Ocean Scene vessel to enjoy breakfast and business briefings, sponsored by OSI Maritime, for the journey from Southampton across the Solent to the Royal Ocean Racing Club, Cowes, Isle of Wight.
The assembled guests were welcomed by Fiona Pankhurst, Seawork and Mark Albon from event partner, Society of Maritime Industries (SMI)
An escort of the high-speed vessels that were being showcased at the event accompanied the delegates on-board Ocean Scene, demonstrating some fast manoeuvres.
On arrival in Cowes delegates had the opportunity to participate in sea trials on 10 different high-speed boats and view the equipment exhibitors table top displays in the clubhouse, overlooking the vessels demonstrating their specialist capabilities on the water.
After a delicious lunch the delegates listened to a presentation from Pete Lagden, the new UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) Boats Team Leader, who emphasised the change in management and acquisitions that is currently being transitioned, moving towards an agile way of working.
Pete said, “It's a real privilege to be here today with my colleagues, what astounds me the most is the amount of equipment that the Boats Team support, approximately 3,200 platforms with 112 different classes of boat or platform. The team are looking at the 70% of solutions that exist in the industry today rather than options that are still in the future.”
Speed@Seawork 2024 Vessels were brought by the following exhibitors.
Berthon Boat Company - Gemini WR880 RHIB
Cheetah Marine – 9.5m Cheetah Catamaran
Leemar Group - Yar Class patrol/workboat
Proteum - Bulldog 7.80m powered by OXE Marine 300hp diesel OB
